Brindisi Restaurant Review

: A Euro-centric seafood restaurant on Belden Place alley, Brindisi serves Italian fare from the Adriatic coast. It is named for a town in the region, and anchors the Pine Street entrance to Belden Place. The small indoor section evokes the flamboyant side of Italian sensibilities with rich ochre fabric draped along the ceiling and a huge antique mirror. Outside, the typical alley action ensues with tightly-packed tables, jovial banter between diners, and, hopefully, a dappling of afternoon sun on the linen-topped tables. Begin with a salad of Dungeness crab and Yukon Gold potatoes or grilled Spanish mackerel with a hearty dousing of lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. An authentic octopus terrine arrives atop warm frisée salad. Bigger appetites will enjoy the braised baby-back ribs or the flat-iron steak served with wild arugula and mushrooms. Classic ice cream-filled profiteroles and an espresso make for a fine dessert.